Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Up North Performance Car - 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX
  By ejhara - June 6 - 10:37 pm

  If you want an awd performance car for year-round use in snowy climates--one that is affordable--this is one of few out there. Just returned from a 1000 mile trip: close to 30 mpg, with no particular gas-saving driving. Always power easily available; handling is quite quick and good. Premium package an attractive choice: cant beat a sunroof, and the short-throw shifter seems desirable. WR blue is a great color. Spoiler gets in the way sometimes as far as backing up, but it looks better than STI version. One negative: exhaust noise/rumble. (I had 2007 Forester turbo, which had a more-pleasant sound.) 20 somethings love this car: Fast and Furious influence. Hill holder good. Good purchase!

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  Cant beat it for the price - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By jlevy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is the same price as a turbo VW bug and comes with AWD, better build quality (IMO), more power, and more room. People who complain about the cup holder are missing the point of the car. Ride may be a bit harsh for some and gas mileage may be a bit low, but you simple cant beat this car for the price if youre an enthusiast looking for a 4 door. A 600 dollar after market down pipe and high flow cat makes a great first mod for more power and better mileage.

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  2.5 GT - Nice Ride - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Jack J. - June 6 - 2:00 am

  After 15 years driving VW’s and Audi’s, a friend convinced me to test drive his Subaru and I have to admit, the first mile had me convinced that this was a car to seriously consider. I was going to settle on another make and model but I am glad that I held off. Besides that, over the holiday season, I was stuck in two separate snowstorms and need to tell you, I was in by far the best car on the road. SUV’s were sliding off the road all around me, but the Subaru was sure footed my entire trip. The only guy to keep up was in an Outback!

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  Best Car.....Ever. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Me - 27 - Male - US - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 99 Ford Explorer for this car, b/c after having 22 problems in 2 years w/ my Ford, I was ready for something reliable (Problem #22 was a new transmission). I have had absolutely no problems w/ this car. As long as nothing catastrophic happens, I may never buy anything but a Subaru again. Bang for the buck, you cannot beat this car. It is a blast to drive. My only complaint is the excessive wind noise over 100 mph....but, I, uh, dont know how to explain this to my dealer.

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  I love my outback! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By suepsales22 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I had absolutely no mechanical problems with my outback until 97,000 miles. The headgasket was replaced and fortunately I had an extended warranty to 100,000 miles. I dont know if it is coincidence or not but my mpg dropped from 26-27 to 21-22. My fuel didnt change, or driving conditions? I will buy another one when this "dies".

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  Awesome Little Wagon - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By BostonLegal - June 5 - 12:33 am

  I purchased this car because I wanted AWD and a decent amount of carrying capacity while still being small enough to parallel park easily. The TS wagon fit the bill perfectly. As a CA native unaccustomed to the unique demands of winter driving in upstate NY, my Subaru has done a fantastic job of hugging the iciest roads. Curiously, my friends SUVs often get irretrievably snowed into their parking spots, but my wagon can always get past the snowiest mounds. Reliability is excellent even on long roadtrips - Ive driven her from NY to CA and back to MA. I have had no expenses beyond regular maintenance in my 7 years of ownership. After this car, I am absolutely sold on Subarus.

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  Great Expectations Met - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By daleln - June 4 - 6:39 pm

  After purchasing a 2000 Subaru Legacy/Outback to be used as a kids car, the wife and I were amazed at how well the Legacy had held up for the past 12 years. Aside from some wear and tear, it was a better car than our 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser and 2008 Ford Edge SEL. That got the ball rolling into researching and ultimately replacing the aforementioned vehicles with a new 2013 Subaru Outback. Weve owned the car now for a little over two weeks and about 700 miles of driving. The Outback looks great and with Subarus AWD feels competant and safe. Fuel economy thus far has been a rock solid 24.3 mpg in city driving. The car is exceptionally quiet and road noise is dampened to a whisper.

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  4 years and still my favorite - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Maggie - June 4 - 5:20 am

  At 2 years old it crept stealthily out of a field that had become a mud bog that big 4x4s were being winched from after a substanital rainstorm. I couldnt believe it! I was the only vehicle to get out without assistance! Had minor 1st gear stalling problem that required a switch replacement this year, but no other problems in 4 years!

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  My First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Christian - June 4 - 1:36 am

  This Legacy 2.5i is my first Subaru, not only by myself, but my entire family too. We have traditionally been a Honda/Toyota/Mazda family. I have fallen in love with this car. I am excited to drive it every single time I open the door. It has very good handling (love taking tight turns) and has a great European, BMW look. I am VERY happy with this car and I cant wait to drive it in the Michigan winters! I am extremely happy with my first Subaru. I would recommend anyone to buy/lease one who is looking for the best bang for your buck.

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  love it - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By subiegirl - June 1 - 2:00 am

  love it!AWD is the best ever invented!